Brake mechanism for fishing-reels.



No. 784,970. PATENTED JULY 28, 1903. W. SHAKESPEARE, JR- &: W. E. MARHOFP.

BRAKE MECHANISM FOR FISHING REELS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 18, 1902.

N0 MODEL.

Witrgesses:

UNITED STATES L Patented July 28, 19081.

PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, JR., AND WALTER E. MARHOFF, OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN; SAID MARHOFF ASSIGNOR TO SAID SHAKESPEARE.

BRAKE MECHANISM FOR FlSHlNG-REELS.'

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Fatent No. 734,970, dated July 28, 1903. Application filed August 18, 1902. Serial No. 120,019. (No model.)

To all whom, it 777/602] concern:

Be it known that we, WILLIAM SHAKE- SPEARE, J r., and WALTER E. MARHOFF, citi- Zens of the United States, residing at the city of Kalamazoo, in the countyof Kalamazoo and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements n Brake Mechanism for Fishing-Reels, of which the following is a specification.

IO This invention relates to improvements in fishing-reels.

The objects of this invention are, first, to provide an improved drag mechanism for fishing-reels in'which the amount of tension or I5 friction applied is adjustable and under the practical control of the user; second, to provide an improved drag mechanism for fishingreels which is light and simple in its structure, economical to produce, and durable in use.

Further objects will definitely appear in the detailed description to follow.

The objects of this invention are accomplished by the devices and means described in the following specification.

Theinvention is clearly defined,and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of this invention is fully illustrated in the accompa- 0 nying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a fishing-reel embodying the features of this invention. Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 4., portions being broken away to show the arrangement of the parts. Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 4,, portions being broken away to show the arrangement of the parts.

0 Fig. 4c is a detail transverse sectional view taken on line at 4 of Fig. 1, portions being broken away to show details of arrangement. Fig. 5 is a detail view showing a modified structure of the frame and the thumb-button 5 D. Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 5.

In the drawings all of the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section-lines, and

similar letters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, A A are the sides or heads of the reel-frame. These heads are secured together and supported in proper relation by the pillars B of any desired construction. The operating mechanism of the .reel is supported or housed in this frame.

Our improved drag mechanism is supported and housed in the frame-head A. The spoolshaftOhas journaled ends, forwhich suitable 5o bearings are provided in the heads A A. Supported on the bracket F is a toothed gear F, adapted to mesh with the pinion O on the shaft C. This pinion is preferably formed integral with the shaft. (See Fig. 4.) The 5 crank G is securedto the shaft or s indle carrying the gear-wheel F.

The thumb-button D is mounted in the head A, so that its edge projects for man|pulation by the user. The pivot stud or pin d is formed integral with the button. A mm D is formed on the button D by offsetiing a portion of the button itself. (See Fig. 2.) The surface of this cam is notched at intervals to permit adjustment of the spring-pres- 7 sure. A spring E, having a bend or kink e, which is arranged to rest on the button D, is secured at one end to the wall of the head A. On the free end of the spring E is a brakeshoe E of some suitable material, preferably leather or fiber. When the button D is rotated, the cam D, engaging th'e'spring E, forces the shoe into contact with the head 0 of the spoolr It is apparent that by means of the camshaped button the amount of tension applied is adjustable and under the perfect control of the user. The roughened or notched surface of the cam holds the spring in any adjusted position.

In the modified structure shown in Figs. 5 and 6 the button D is provided with stops n n, which limit the movement of the button by coming in contact with the head. The head A here is made entirely of metal, and the ringis quite thin and light and does not serve to stop the buttonby engaging the cam. By this formation and arrangement of parts is secured a drag which is simple and economical to construct and durable in use. The amount of friction applied is adjustable and entirely within the control of the operator, which is of course a very desirable feature.

We have illustrated and described our improved drag mechanism for fishing-reels in the form preferred by us. We are aware, however, that it is capable of considerable variation in structural details withoutdeparting from our invention and that the various parts may be united or divided into more parts and assembled together.

Having thus described our invention, what is claimed as new, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is-

1. In adrag for fishing-reels, the combination of a frame; a spool revolubly supported in said frame; a thumb-button D having a cam D formed thereon, said cam having a roughened or notched face; a spring E having a bend or kink 6 adapted to rest against the face of said cam, secured at one end to said frame; and a suitable brake-shoe on the free end of said spring adapted to contact with said spool, for the purpose specified.

2. In a drag mechanism for fishing-reels, the combination of a frame; a thumb-button having a cam with a roughened face; a spring arranged to press on said cam, secured at one end to said frame; and a suitable brake-shoe on the free end of said spring adapted to contact with said spool.

3. In a drag for fishing-reels, the combina tion of a suitable frame; a suitabledrag mechanism supported in said frame; a thumb-button D having a cam-face for controlling said drag mechanism and a pivot-pin d thereon, said button being arranged through said frame whereby it is retained in position, as specified.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals in the presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, JR. [It 8.] WALTER E. MARHOFF. [L. 8.]

Witnesses:

01% A. EARL, AMELIA J. 'ALBER. 

